Winter can be a wonderful break from the extreme heat that we often have to deal with in the summer months but it can also also brings on the cold. The cold weather there is usually a substantial increase in our energy consumption and with electricity, gas, and heating oil constantly on the rise, we must find ways to reduce that consumption to save money. Below, discover how to reduce your energy bills this winter by draught proofing your home.
These beneficial tips will require a small effort as well as a small investment. Regardless of that, they will bring you great savings over many years, so it is a relatively small investment for the rewards that you will be granted. It all starts with careful observation to discover where heat loss is occurring.
One of the easiest ways to examine an area for heat loss is with the use of a lit candle. Be sure to use a candle holder as well to avoid dripping wax on clothing, furniture and flooring. Place the lit candle close to the surface taking care not to touch the flame to any fabric and such. If the flame moves, then there is a draught which means that there is heat loss. A good place to start is with all entry points as these cause of the most heat loss, more often than not.
Windows are also known to be the culprit, so each frame should be thoroughly checked. Also, address the exhaust pipes of range hoods and don't forget the all important electrical switches and outlets. Next, do what is necessary to stop the leakage.
Use installation strips to tack on to the bottom of the door or to place between the door itself and the jamb. You may also need to remove the molding around the door frame to insulate it further with a foam sealant. One doesn't need to be extremely handy to take on these tasks so they are a good weekend project.
Step outside and observe all your window frames and the condition of the caulking. More often than not, these may be cracked due to sun exposure and other weather elements. Remove the existing caulking and repeat with the new application.
As you may or may not have been aware of, exterior wall electrical outlets and switches can cause a lot of heat loss and so they must be insulated. There are products specifically designed to resolve this issue as well as foam sealants made just for it. What everyone must do to avoid heat loss is deal with all points of infiltration, regardless of how large or tiny they may be.
These beneficial tips will require a small effort as well as a small investment. Regardless of that, they will bring you great savings over many years, so it is a relatively small investment for the rewards that you will be granted. It all starts with careful observation to discover where heat loss is occurring.
One of the easiest ways to examine an area for heat loss is with the use of a lit candle. Be sure to use a candle holder as well to avoid dripping wax on clothing, furniture and flooring. Place the lit candle close to the surface taking care not to touch the flame to any fabric and such. If the flame moves, then there is a draught which means that there is heat loss. A good place to start is with all entry points as these cause of the most heat loss, more often than not.
Windows are also known to be the culprit, so each frame should be thoroughly checked. Also, address the exhaust pipes of range hoods and don't forget the all important electrical switches and outlets. Next, do what is necessary to stop the leakage.
Use installation strips to tack on to the bottom of the door or to place between the door itself and the jamb. You may also need to remove the molding around the door frame to insulate it further with a foam sealant. One doesn't need to be extremely handy to take on these tasks so they are a good weekend project.
Step outside and observe all your window frames and the condition of the caulking. More often than not, these may be cracked due to sun exposure and other weather elements. Remove the existing caulking and repeat with the new application.
As you may or may not have been aware of, exterior wall electrical outlets and switches can cause a lot of heat loss and so they must be insulated. There are products specifically designed to resolve this issue as well as foam sealants made just for it. What everyone must do to avoid heat loss is deal with all points of infiltration, regardless of how large or tiny they may be.
About the Author:
Learn about the advantages and benefits of sash window draught proofing for winter weather. When you discuss your needs with the experienced sash window refurbishment professionals, they will be able to provide you with the important information and details you need.
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